Woman matches red kettle donations

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By By Nancy Hastings

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By By Nancy Hastings

Posted Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:54 AM

By By Nancy Hastings

Posted Jan. 7, 2013 at 8:54 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

nancy.hastings@hillsdale.net One hour of ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive brought big blessings on Christmas Eve. Local resident Ruth Brown has always rang bells each holiday season, but this year she got the idea to take it a step further since she was keenly aware of the needs of many in the city of Hillsdale. “As a council person for Ward 2, I got the idea to match what I raised during one hour of bell ringing at the Market House on Christmas Eve,” Brown said. She told her friends about her plans and her pastor, the Rev. Patti Beckman, put it on Facebook to generate more interest. “My pastor even announced it at church to get people to stop by on my bell ringing shift,” Brown said. After phoning Salvation Army’s secretary, Kathy Stump, to find out how much the hour of service brought in, Brown promptly wrote a check for $351.34, matching the amount. “It’s amazing to think that after just one hour I was able to raise more than $700 for the Salvation Army,” Brown said. “I’m a big supporter of Hillsdale and anything I can do that can help is worth it to me.” Lt. Chris Clarke said that the contribution came during a critical stage of this year’s red kettle campaign. The campaign fell short of its goal for the 2012 season, reaching only 68 percent of the $170,000 goal. “It’s great when individuals like Ruth come forward,” Clarke said. “We can always use the funds.” Clarke said the need has gone up each year since he has served in Hillsdale. He and his wife, Lt. April Clarke came in August 2008 to serve as a husband and wife team. Brown’s generosity was a highlight during the season and shows how one person can truly make a difference, Clarke said. After presenting the check to Clarke at the Salvation Army store Thursday afternoon, Brown said the Ladies Society at the First Presbyterian Church in Hillsdale voted on a donation of $200. “Every bit helps,” she said. Donations can still be made by sending a check to 160 East Bacon St., Hillsdale, MI, 49242.